JUDI, DREW AND A CRAPPY SHOW OR TWO

I only saw a bit of DAYS OF OUR LIVES today but was pleased to see Judi Evans back as Adrienne Kiriakis. I loved her recent stint as Maeve on AS THE WORLD TURNS and thought they could have done more with her and Holden.

GENERAL HOSPITAL was excellent today, even as I fear the dark storylines might be driving viewers away, judging by the low ratings. I don't know what has led to the recasting of Michael. Drew Garrett (pictured) is a powerhouse; if for some reason he can't do the show anymore I say throw Michael in jail and don't let him out until Drew can play him again. Aside from that, the scenes where Ethan and Luke talk about Luke's rape of Laura were powerful and well-written. I'm glad GH doesn't just sweep that under the carpet.

Because my DVR is full and I must tape CAPRICA tomorrow, I watched last week's GOSSIP GIRL, which was lukewarm. Who cares about Chuck's mother (even if she is played by MULHOLLAND DRIVE's Laura Harring) or Serena's father? This show should exist in a parentless vacuum. Let's hope the last episode is (was?) better.

WHY AS THE WORLD TURNS WILL NEVER DIE FOR ME

Because we have episodes going back to November 11 2009 clogging up our DVR, that's why! Tonight we watched Tom Pelphrey's first episode, where he brought a theatrical intensity to even this loopy story of youth serums, James Stenbeck and ingenue grabbing on stairwells.

NO GAY LIVES TO LIVE

TV GUIDE's website has broke the news that ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Kyle and Fish (Scott Evans, pictured) are out of the show. This is just appalling; OLTL should not get rid of a story generating, front burner couple with a fanbase, regardless of sexual orientation. I have never appreciated AS THE WORLD TURNS more for Luke, Noah, Doctor Reid and a host of other gay supporting characters.

So ATWT, OLTL and DOOL all air at the same time in Los Angeles. I will be taping ATWT, watching DOOL and ignoring OLTL unless they get their shit together. DOOL is very good right now. I used to be the biggest EJ/Sami supporter until recently, as EJ has gone past the point of no return with his babyknapping activities. Is the only person who can be paired with EJ now the equally dastardly Nicole?

GENERAL HOSPITAL was great today, with special mention having to be made of the way minor characters like Bernie's secretary and Alexis' receptionist are written and performed. They are given just enough twists of personality to make them interesting and fun so there is no filler in the show. Hooray for good writing and acting!

TEEN ACTORS, NAUSEA AND ALAN DALE

I watched some of yesterday's DAYS OF OUR LIVES with breakfast today, just enough to see that I do not like the new Will at all. The old Will was a bit of tasty jailbait, but he was also naturalistic and fit in well with the other actors, unlike the current Will, who is a big slice of drama school ham.

I also watched a little bit of ALL MY CHILDREN while unwinding after work. I haven't been following the show that much recently, but it looks like Ryan and Erica are together. According to the Ghetto Fabulous Retired Mom, "This storyline makes me SICK! Every time I see Ryan and Erica together I want to VOMIT!" Therefore I will vehemently oppose this pairing since it is causing my mother internal distress.

While not a soap, tonight's superb episode of LOST did have a cliffhanging appearance by ex-soaper Alan Dale, up to no good as usual. Or is he? If he's out to kill Ben, isn't that a good thing? Or has Ben earned our sympathy now thanks to tonight's episode? Man, I love me some thought-provoking LOST!